Product Description

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Mercy McClain works at a local orphanage in Teaville, Kansas and serves on the school board in the early 1900’s. Aaron Firebrook is a classmate who bullied her as a child. When he applies for a teaching position, Mercy does not want him to get the job. Aaron has returned to town a changed man and wants is forgiveness for his past wrongs. He must find a way to show her he has the best interests of the children at heart.

Publisher's Description

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In early 1900s Kansas, Mercy McClain, determined to protect Teaville's children from the bullying she experienced as a child, finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the classmate who bothered her more than any other, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against him getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking to earn forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the best interests of the children at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron put the past behind them in time to face the unexpected threats to everything they're working for?

Author Bio

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Melissa Jagears is the Carol Award-winning author of the Unexpected Brides series and the Teaville Moral Society series, a homeschooling mother to three, and an extreme night owl. Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.

A Chance at Forever is the third book in the Teaville Moral Society series by Melissa Jagears. Though it contains several characters who were introduced in the previous two novels in the series, A Chance at Forever tells its own unique story. Because it is so well-written and engaging, it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Chance at Forever, and I sincerely look forward to reading other novels written by the talented Ms. Jagears.

I adore historical fiction, and A Chance at Forever exceeded my expectations. I found this novel to be utterly compelling and inspiring. The characters were vulnerable and complex, possessing a thoughtful believability that made them truly relatable and unforgettable. Their struggles, insecurities, fears, and beliefs were authentic and moving. As I read, I developed a deep, emotional connection to the characters and their desperate search for truth, grace, forgiveness, and compassion despite the heartaches and trials that they endured.

A Chance at Forever is a story of hope, second chances, and new beginnings. The threads of redemption and restoration that are woven throughout this novel have stitched a lasting seam in my thoughts and on my heart. From the first page to the last, this novel was relevant, tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.

As with the previous books of the series, Jagears takes on heavy subjects of morality that are relevant both in the past and yet today. The author does a good job being fair in her portrayal of bullies. While bullying is in no way condoned, she makes a point of bringing up that every bully has a history, and sometimes a child is lashing out because of terrible things that happen behind closed doors. It doesn't excuse a bully's choices, but by understanding what can drive a child to bullying, it could mean getting a child help. In the case of Aaron's history, the author doesn't explicitly say what sort of abuse Aaron suffered, but one can draw some grim conclusions. It's brave of the author to delve into another of the grittier parts of reality, and she does so with taste.

If you're looking for light reading, this probably isn't the best choice. The story doesn't suffer for its heavier themes, but the tough questions posed to the characters (and subsequently readers)--not to mention the emotional impact of physical follow-through--can leave one exhausted, even in a story rife with forgiveness and hope. The story isn't a downer--it's actually quite uplifting, especially the epilogue. But it's a hard book to read purely for entertainment purposes without taking the time to ponder some of the issues it brings up.

Thank you Bethany House and NetGalley for the free e-book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions are my own.

Powerful Story. Loved this book so much. The characters were well developed. Fell in love with the Inspirational theme throughout the book. There is power in forgiveness. I hate to see this series end.

I loved going back to Teaville and getting caught up on the Moral Society again! This time its a new male character, Aaron, who has come back to the town he grew up in and was known for being quite the nasty bully. Introduced in the 2nd book of the series, A Love So True, Mercy was always willing to help, even though a birth defect had left her with a missing right hand. She left Teaville as a child (but was very affected by the bullying of Aaron!) and only moved back a year earlier. She and her brother and sister-in-law run the orphanage set up in the large mansion. Although this is the 3rd book in the series and much is to be gained by reading the previous ones, this book tells the stories of these 2 newer characters, so the book does stand alone.

I really enjoyed how the author showed how bullying really affects people for years and years. Kindness, similarly, also makes a lifelong impact. And woven with these truths are also truths about God If he could trust God to get him to heaven, he needed to trust that God could work miracles in him here on earth, too because if her continued to rely on himself, well, hed only keep proving how ineffectual he was.

Of course, I also loved the sweet romance between Mercy and Aaron! I was so fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the publisher. I am freely writing a review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christian Author Melissa Jagears has written the third installment in her Teaville Moral Society Series. Don't fret if you haven't read the other two, each book in this spectacular series may be read as a standalone, but after reading one you will yearn to read the others. "A Chance at Forever" is every bit as good as the first two books and even trumps them. I know! How could that be?! When I read Book One I was certain author Jagears had peaked and would never write a book to equal "A Heart Most Certain." Wrong. The second book, "A Love so True," was just as delightful. Along comes Book three and it even surpasses those two.

Author Jagears is a gifted storyteller and wordsmith. Her books paint vivid tales of a time long gone, days harder than we have, and always give glory to God. She doesn't write Christian fluff with a light sprinkling of inspiration. Jagears is heavy handed with it and I applaud her for that.

In "A Chance at Forever" she continues her story of helping children. Mercy McClain works at the town's orphanage and is also on the school board. As a child she was bullied by many kids but especially by George Firebrook. She is still carrying around baggage from her childhood.

George Aaron Firebrook comes back to the town of Teaville to make amends for his past. He was mean and bullied others when he was younger. Now he has changed inside so he has changed his name and outside appearance, too. He wants to teach and has applied for the position in town. Mercy won't approve his application.

True to her writing style, Author Jagears provides another book that refuses to be set down. It is so good it demands to be read. I went through a spectrum of emotion while reading this. At times I giggles and laughed, got mad, cried, caught my breath, and nodded in agreement. Jagears gives an abundant helping of inspiration and life lessons. Topics of grace, redemption, mercy, vengeance, forgiveness (both for others and self), love, Christianity, hypocrisy and bullying are presented in a lovely way.

A wonderful surprise was the reintroduction of past, beloved characters. Charlotte (Charlie) and husband Harrison Gray opened the book, which for me was like a reunion with old friends. They aren't the only old friends to grace this story. I literally said out loud at one point "I've missed you, my friend" to a character.

Aaron writes letters to everyone he has bullied and hurt. He seeks forgiveness and wants to make restitution. Some letters are not answered, but one response brings him to the Orphanage. From then on all I will say is wow! My dishes piled up and nothing got finished except this book. Oh, my! What a book.

I definitely recommend "A Chance for Love" and the Teaville Moral Society books. Actually, I recommend everything this author has written. The only thing I missed was that this one did not have discussion questions. No worries though, with the issues of bullying, forgiveness, a person's past, and God's love there is plenty to chat about in any group. A true 5 out of 5 stars.